As the temperature drops and central heating rises, our skin takes a hit. In fact, the skin can be up to 30% drier in winter. Cold weather and dry indoor air strip away moisture, weaken the skin barrier, and can trigger flare-ups of inflammatory skin conditions like eczema, rosacea, acne, and psoriasis.
- It’s All About Pre-Juvenation
- Understanding Collagen Loss by Age
- My Favourite In-Clinic Collagen-Stimulating Treatments
- 1. Polynucleotides (“Salmon Sperm” Treatment)
- 2. Profhilo – Biostimulating Hyaluronic Acid
- 3. Jalupro – Injectable Skin Booster
- Why Winter Is Ideal for Energy-Based Treatments
- Your Winter Skincare Essentials
- To Summarise: 7 Best Ways to Boost Collagen
- Collagen & Skin Health Starts From Within
- My Top General Health Tips for Glowing Skin
- The Science Behind Collagen Production
- Building Your Winter Skincare Routine
- Special Considerations
- The Role of Nutrition
- When to See a Professional
- The Bottom Line
So, how do you protect your skin, support its health, and even reverse some of the signs of aging during the winter?
It’s All About Pre-Juvenation
Pre-juvenation is a proactive approach to skincare that focuses on preserving skin health and stimulating collagen before aging signs become deeply etched. This means using skincare and aesthetic treatments that encourage your skin to work for itself—specifically, to make and bank collagen.
Understanding Collagen Loss by Age
From the age of 20, we naturally lose about 1% of collagen per year. Here’s a breakdown:
Your 20s
Collagen starts to decline (~1%/year). By 30, you may have lost 10% of your total supply.
Your 30s–40s
Collagen loss increases to 1–1.5% per year. Fine lines, dullness, and reduced elasticity become noticeable.
Age 50+
Oestrogen decline during menopause accelerates collagen loss—up to 30% lost in the first 5 years post-menopause.
Key Collagen Killers
- Natural aging
- UV exposure (photoaging is the #1 preventable cause)
- Smoking
- Poor diet (low in protein, vitamin C, and antioxidants)
- Pollution and oxidative stress
- Lack of sleep and chronic stress
My Favourite In-Clinic Collagen-Stimulating Treatments
1. Polynucleotides (“Salmon Sperm” Treatment)
These are tiny fragments of DNA derived from fish that stimulate fibroblasts—cells vital for repair and collagen synthesis.
Best used for:
- Under eye & upper eyelids: Hydrates, improves skin tone, reduces fine lines and dark circles
- Jowl area: Combined with hyaluronic acid to improve skin firmness and hydration
- With microneedling: Treats acne scars, trauma scars, and hyperpigmentation by boosting skin turnover and improving texture
2. Profhilo – Biostimulating Hyaluronic Acid
Profhilo delivers a mega dose of hyaluronic acid in a unique formulation that:
- Hydrates deeply by attracting water molecules
- Stimulates fibroblasts to boost collagen, elastin, and even natural hyaluronic acid production
Injected in a 5-point pattern, Profhilo spreads evenly through the skin, creating a “scaffold” for regeneration.
Result: Glowing, hydrated, firm, and supple skin.
3. Jalupro – Injectable Skin Booster
Jalupro is a rejuvenating injectable packed with:
- Amino acids – collagen-building blocks
- Hyaluronic acid – intense hydration
- Peptides – collagen stimulation
- Vitamins & antioxidants – support repair and fight oxidative stress
Perfect for improving overall skin texture, tone, and volume.
Why Winter Is Ideal for Energy-Based Treatments
Winter is the perfect time to undergo laser treatments, microneedling, and skin resurfacing. Shorter days and less sun exposure reduce the risk of photosensitivity and hyperpigmentation.
But don’t forget: Wear SPF 50 daily, regardless of season or weather!
Your Winter Skincare Essentials
Support collagen and skin barrier health with these powerhouse ingredients:
Vitamin C
- Brightens skin, reduces inflammation
- Promotes collagen synthesis
- Fights oxidative stress
Niacinamide
- Strengthens the skin barrier
- Balances oil production
- Reduces inflammation and breakouts
Retinol
One of the most effective anti-aging ingredients:
- Boosts collagen and elastin production
- Speeds up cell turnover
- Fades pigmentation, acne, and improves skin texture
Start slowly (1–2x/week) and build up tolerance. Use SPF daily!
SPF 50
- Blocks 98% of UVB radiation
- Reduces skin cancer risk
- Prevents photoaging and pigmentation
To Summarise: 7 Best Ways to Boost Collagen
- Daily SPF 30–50 – essential for prevention
- Topical retinoids/retinol – proven collagen stimulators
- Vitamin C serums – for collagen synthesis & protection
- Peptides in skincare – signal skin to produce collagen
- Microneedling, radiofrequency, laser – powerful in-clinic options
- Stay hydrated + high-protein diet – fuel skin from within
- Collagen supplements – support from the inside out
Collagen & Skin Health Starts From Within
Your skin is your largest organ, and its health is a direct reflection of your internal wellbeing. The phrase “Get the inside right and the outside follows” couldn’t be more true.
If your skin is changing—persistent rashes, new lesions, or non-healing spots—don’t ignore it. Book a check-up. These can be signs of underlying health issues.
My Top General Health Tips for Glowing Skin
- Prioritise sleep
- Rest and recover regularly
- Daily movement
- Get sunlight & time in nature
- Manage stress – chronic stress ages the skin
- Stay hydrated
- Eat high-protein, high-fibre meals
- Aim for 5 servings of fruit & veg daily
- Protect your peace – be mindful of the energy you give and receive
The Science Behind Collagen Production
Understanding how collagen works in your body helps you make better choices for your skin:
Collagen Types
Your skin primarily contains Type I collagen (about 80-90% of skin’s collagen), which provides structure and firmness. Type III collagen supports Type I and provides elasticity.
Natural Collagen Production
Collagen is produced by fibroblasts in the dermis layer of your skin. These cells need:
- Amino acids (from protein in your diet)
- Vitamin C (essential for collagen synthesis)
- Copper and zinc (cofactors in collagen formation)
- Adequate hydration
What Breaks Down Collagen
Enzymes called matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) break down collagen. UV exposure, pollution, and inflammation all increase MMP activity, accelerating collagen loss.
Building Your Winter Skincare Routine
Morning Routine
- Gentle cleanser
- Vitamin C serum
- Niacinamide serum (or combine with Vitamin C if products are compatible)
- Moisturiser with hyaluronic acid
- SPF 50 (non-negotiable!)
Evening Routine
- Double cleanse (oil cleanser + water-based cleanser)
- Retinol (start 2x/week, build to 4-5x/week)
- Peptide serum
- Rich moisturiser or night cream
- Eye cream (optional but beneficial)
Weekly Treatments
- Gentle exfoliation (1-2x/week) with AHAs or BHAs
- Hydrating face mask (1-2x/week)
- LED light therapy (if available)
Special Considerations
During Menopause
Hormonal changes dramatically affect skin. Consider:
- HRT (discuss with your doctor)
- More intensive moisturisation
- Phytoestrogen-rich skincare
- Professional treatments like Profhilo or polynucleotides
For Sensitive Skin
- Patch test new products
- Introduce actives slowly
- Focus on barrier repair
- Avoid harsh exfoliants
For Acne-Prone Skin
- Don’t skip moisturiser
- Use non-comedogenic products
- Retinol helps but start slowly
- Consider professional treatments
The Role of Nutrition
Collagen-Boosting Foods:
- Bone broth
- Wild-caught fish (especially salmon)
- Egg whites
- Citrus fruits
- Berries
- Leafy greens
- Nuts and seeds
- Chicken
- Beans
Foods That Harm Collagen:
- Excess sugar (causes glycation)
- Processed foods
- Excessive alcohol
- Trans fats
When to See a Professional
Book a consultation with a dermatologist or aesthetic practitioner if you’re experiencing:
- Persistent skin changes
- Severe dryness or irritation
- Signs of premature aging
- Skin conditions that don’t respond to over-the-counter treatments
- Interest in professional treatments like injectables or laser therapy
The Bottom Line
Winter doesn’t have to mean dull, dry, aging skin. With the right combination of:
- Smart skincare (Vitamin C, retinol, SPF)
- Professional treatments (polynucleotides, Profhilo, Jalupro)
- Internal health (nutrition, hydration, sleep, stress management)
- Consistent routine
You can not only protect your skin through winter but actually improve it, building collagen reserves that will serve you for years to come.
Remember: The best time to start taking care of your skin was 10 years ago. The second best time is today.
Doctor Jane specialises in aesthetic medicine and skin health. For personalised advice or to book a consultation, consult with a qualified dermatologist or aesthetic practitioner in your area.
Published in Liverpool Fitness Magazine
